Histotechnologist

Description

GENERAL SUMMARY*This is a PRN position*

The Histotechnologist organizes and processes tissue in preparation to be run by either the Histology Supervisor or the Histotechnologist. Correctly and accurately embeds biopsies, cut biopsies, and stain biopsies to be examined. Maintains and stain immunohistochemistry’s for aid in supporting the Histology Supervisor. 

Requirements

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTION/COMPETENCIES

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Exercises independent judgment in dealing with procedural and technical problems. Examines slides and/or blocks to ensure tissue preparation is meeting laboratory requirements.
• Trains or directs Laboratory Assistants and Histology engaged in laboratory testing and processing techniques.
• Prepares sections of human tissue for microscopic examination and patient diagnosis, using techniques to gross (dissect tissue), embed (orient specimen in paraffin block), section (cut thin sections of tissue), stain (enhance contrast of tissue and highlight specific features of interest with routine hematoxylin and eosin stains), and mount tissue (adhere tissue onto glass slides), from surgical procedures.
• Performs recuts and additional stains including special and immunohistochemistry stains, as requested by a Pathologist.
• Operates computerized laboratory equipment to fix, dehydrate, and infiltrate with wax, tissue specimens to be preserved for study by Pathologist.
• May label requisitions, specimen containers, cassettes and/or slides and affixes coverslip to slides.
• Maintains laboratory equipment and tracks all routine maintenance and quality controls performed.
• Files, retrieves, and distributes blocks, slides, and pathology reports.
• Operates, cleans, and sterilizes laboratory equipment, glassware, instruments, and workstation.
• Disposes of hazardous chemical waste per regulatory guidelines.
• Complies with all State, Federal, professional regulations as well as company and departmental rules, polices, and procedural manuals. and competent in the areas of embedding, microtomy, grossing, special stains, and immunohistochemistry.
• Adherence to CAP (College of American Pathologists), CLIA (Clinica Laboratory Improvement Amendments), State Regulations, HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability), Safety and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) Regulations.
• Appropriately perform complex testing procedures that involve the ability to measure, calculate, reason, analyze, evaluate and stain immunohistochemistry’s.
• Possess the ability to perform skills in a timely fashion such as file blocks, print slides and cut controls
• Use reasonable judgment to recognize and correct performance by maintaining daily cleaning and changing of stains and reagent.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Employees shall adhere to high standards of ethical conduct and will comply with and assist in complying with all applicable laws and regulations. This will include and not be limited to following the Solaris Health Code of Conduct and all Solaris Health and Affiliated Practice policies and procedures; maintaining the confidentiality of patients' protected health information in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA); immediately reporting any suspected concerns and/or violations to a supervisor and/or the Compliance Department; and the timely completion the Annual Compliance Training.

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSURES OR REGISTRY REQUIREMENTS

• Licensure required by State
• American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Certificate.

KNOWLEDGE | SKILLS | ABILITIES

• Knowledge of CLIA regulations regarding proficiency testing, quality assurance and quality 
• control.
• Knowledge of laboratory policies and procedures, equipment, and testing to monitor 
• control checks
• Knowledge of medical terminology to communicate with laboratory staff. Knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation. .
• Skill in using computer programs and applications.
• Skill in performing a full range of laboratory tests and operating a variety of laboratory instrumentation and equipment.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Customer-oriented with ability to remain calm in difficult situations.
• Delivers exceptional patient service throughout all interactions.
• Skill in using computer programs and applications including Microsoft Office.
• Ability to build relationships with patients and display empathy and compassion to patients.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with team members, physicians, vendors, clients, and external agencies.
• Ability to work independently and manage deadlines.
• Complies with all health and safety policies of the organization.
• Complies with HIPAA regulations for patient confidentiality.
• Participates in educational activities.
• Effectively and efficiently operate laboratory equipment, control and adjust laboratory instruments, manipulate a computer keyboard, and calculate, record and transmit laboratory information
• Adequate general knowledge of histology equipment and must have the ability to uphold specific maintenance requirements.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out simple one- or two-step instructions. Ability to deal with standardized situations with only occasional or no variables.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Seeks to understand and build on differing perspectives of others to enhance team efficiency and quality outcomes.
• Works well and cooperates with others staff members.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret and extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
• Ability to listen, read, understand, and follow oral, and written instruction. Ability to communicate clearly and concisely.
• Ability to add and subtract two digit numbers and to multiply and divide with 10’s and 100’s. Ability to perform these operations using units of American money and weight measurement, volume, and distance.
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commission, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry. Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
• General extensive knowledge and understanding of histology terminology and to articulate clearly within the workplace.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• Associates Degree (A.A) or equivalent from a two-year college required. Bachelor's Degree preferred.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Preferred three (3) to six (6) months of related experience and/or training.

REQUIRED TRAVEL

• n/a

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Carrying Weight Frequency

1-25 lbs. Frequent from 34% to 66%

26-50 lbs. Occasionally from 2% to 33%

Pushing/Pulling Frequency

1-25 lbs. Seldom, up to 2%

100 + lbs. Seldom, up to 2%

Lifting - Height, Weight Frequency

Floor to Chest, 1 -25 lbs. Occasional: from 2% to 33%

Floor to Chest, 26-50 lbs. Seldom: up to 2%

Floor to Waist, 1-25 lbs. Occasional: from 2% to 33%

Floor to Waist, 26-50 lbs. Seldom: up to 2%